Regulatory program Verified: May 30, 2026

Voluntary departure protocol (자진출국제도)

Ministry of Justice parameters for foreign residents seeking compliance and exit clearance.

Critical timeliness update

Special voluntary departure program: ran December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 — now ended. Standard overstay penalties, fines, deportation orders, and entry bans apply.

1. Standard voluntary departure protocol

Foreigners staying beyond their permitted window must pre-declare to secure exit clearance:

  • Pre-declaration timeline: file your voluntary departure intent at least 3 to 15 business days before departure.
  • Filing offices: submit at your local regional immigration bureau.
  • Required documents: valid passport, flight ticket, and voluntary exit application forms.

2. Overstay fines & restrictions

  • Fines up to KRW 30,000,000 depending on overstay duration.
  • Deportation orders and entry bans of varying length based on violations.
  • Voluntary departure does not guarantee re-entry permission or erased overstay history.
Source: Korea Immigration Service / Ministry of Justice immigration.go.kr
If you are in a sensitive overstay situation, call the 1345 Immigration Contact Center (20 languages) before acting. See government services.